Iker Lecuona Ends Nicolo Bulega’s 25-Race Winning Streak

Iker Lecuona claimed his first WorldSBK victory in Race 1 of the 2026 UK round, ending Nicolo Bulega’s 25-race winning streak at Donington Park.

Bulega started from pole position, but Lecuona took the lead immediately and controlled the race from the opening lap. The Spaniard remained in front despite increasing pressure from his team-mate during the second half.

Bulega appeared content to follow during the early stages before launching several overtaking attempts in the closing laps. Lecuona resisted every move and positioned his motorcycle on the inside of the penultimate corner on the final lap to deny one last attack.

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Lecuona crossed the finish line just 0.165 seconds ahead. The result marked not only his first WorldSBK success, but also his first world championship race victory since stepping onto the international stage in Moto2 around a decade earlier.

Yari Montella completed the podium in third, finishing 6.711 seconds behind the winner. Sam Lowes, Tommy Bridewell and Lorenzo Baldassarri followed, giving Ducati a clean sweep of the leading six positions.

Alex Lowes was the highest-placed non-Ducati rider in seventh for Bimota. Garrett Gerloff, Axel Bassani and Xavi Vierge completed the top 10, while Jonathan Rea was the only rider not to finish.

Lecuona’s breakthrough transformed the UK WorldSBK weekend after Bulega had dominated the previous 25 races. Their battle will remain central when the field returns for the Superpole Race and Race 2 at Donington Park.